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News update from Seán Kelly MEP, Leader of the Fine Gael Delegation in the European Parliament.
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April 2015 E-Newsletter


A Chara,
Welcome to my April newsletter, which I hope you find useful and informative. I've included pictures and articles detailing my work at home and in the European Parliament over the past few weeks. I am continuing to work on a wide range of issues on your behalf and if I can be of any assistance to you at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Is mise le meas,
Seán
Meet the four Fine Gael MEPs (EPP Group). In this clip, shot at the European Parliament in Brussels, we outline our committee work, and discuss our priorities for the parliamentary term
Hosting an inter-party breakfast roundtable discussion entitled 'Energy Efficiency Financing: How can efficiency boost the European economy' in the Parliament in Brussels  (April 1st)
 
Deaf Sports Ireland held their Inter Provincial Championship in Waterford Institute of Technology for participants to play football, basketball and futsal. I was privileged to attend the ladies basketball matches and present the trophies. At the tournament I also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Joey Watson (April 4th)
My push for Clarification on Land Eligibility

I welcomed recent calls by the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine that greater clarity must be ensured on the eligibility of marginal land, and said that it was absolutely crucial that this issue is resolved urgently so that farmers can be assured that they will receive their expected direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Direct payments make up a significant part of farm income and the level of uncertainty that we are seeing among farmers as to whether land will be considered eligible or not is unacceptable. Farmers across the country are said to be increasingly wary about the risk of being hit with penalties should inspectors find that the proportion of their land which is eligible does not match calculations. I joined calls to ensure that the difficult positions in which farmers find themselves in in the first year of the new CAP are given due consideration.

 
At the Races in Mallow on Easter Sunday, with Celina Buckley, winner of the Best Dressed Lady prize (April 5th)
 
I had the pleasure of attending the Friends of Jamie Wall fund-raising table quiz in Cullen Community Centre, and I met the inspirational young man himself  (April 6th)
The Sam McGuire was given a great welcome in Killarney on Easter Sunday. It was a historic day, marking the first time the Cup has been given a victory reception in a Church of Ireland centre in Kerry, even though the man himself was a member of the Church of Ireland community. Here I am collecting the cup from James O' Donoghue, and pictured with Reverend Simon J. Lumby and Bob Harmon (April 8th)
 
 TTIP negotiations are gathering pace, and the EU-US trade deal would significantly boost Irish exports

As Ireland's only member of the European Parliament's high-level International Trade Committee (INTA), I welcome the continued negotiations on the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal, which could significantly boost Irish exports. TTIP will tear down trade barriers, open up investment opportunities, boost EU exports and particularly benefit SMEs.

The agreement could lead to a €250 billion or 2 percent increase in EU GDP - equating to an annual extra €500 per European family, and the creation of over 2 million jobs across Europe. 80% of all Irish produce is exported, with 21% of goods exports going to the US. TTIP is especially significant as it could vastly expand the export opportunities for the many Irish companies, with predicted 2.7% overall increase in exports.

The agreement also aims to cut unnecessary regulatory duplication which costs businesses, and ultimately consumers, money - without lowering any environmental, labour or consumer standards and only ensuring regulatory coherence and alignment. High standards on both sides of the Atlantic will be preserved and the regulators are working hard to ensure both sides reach optimal outcomes whilst taking these standards into consideration.

 a balanced TTIP will promote employment and growth in Ireland and in Europe, so it is essential that we secure a reciprocal market, with less trade barriers and mutually beneficial investment opportunities.

Securing such a highly complex deal is no small task. While there are concerns regarding certain elements of the talks, the Commission continues to consult all EU Member States and the EP throughout the process and I am glad to see continued TTIP discussions both within Europe and between EU and US negotiators.

 

Meeting Eibhlin O' Sullivan (CEO) and other representatives from Irish South and West Fishing Producers Organisation, in The Kingsley Hotel Cork  (April 7th)
 

 

Being briefed by Denis Healy and Henry Kingston from Port of Cork on the  Ringaskiddy Project, and their progress in Europe regarding legislation (April 7th)

 

 

During a very informative meeting with Siobhán Finn of Cork Innovates we discussed entrepreneurship, the Cork business community, and the organisation's work with Startup Ireland (April 7th)
 
Irish projects prove Ocean Energy potential

Addressing the Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella and other attendees at the Ocean Energy Forum held in Brussels, I highlighted the two Irish projects, based in Cork and Clare, which will demonstrate the potential that can be unleashed from ocean energy. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) were represented at the high-level meeting, at which I was the guest speaker.

Ireland is considered to have one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world with significant potential to utilise these resources to generate carbon free renewable electricity. Emphasis on developing renewable technologies, such as ocean energy, is vital if we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase our share of renewables and reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Demonstration projects are required to highlight the potential of ocean energy. Ireland is very much at the forefront in this regard as projects begin to take the considerable step from prototype development to full-scale demonstration. I cited Irish activities in this sector as an example, giving particular mention to the new Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) research centre in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and the WestWave project in Killard, near Doonbeg in Co Clare.

 
Canvassing for Cllr David Fitzgerald in the Carlow/Kilkenny by-election, with a great turnout by Young Fine Gael (April 11th)
 

 
There was a great turnout for the Fine Gael Brussels Branch A.G.M. in the European Parliament (April 16th)
Ireland South for European City of Culture 2020 - Waterford as capital and focal point

I recently welcomed a bid from counties Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny, as well as from Limerick, to become the European Capital of Culture for 2020. A successful bid for the coveted title, which has been awarded to selected cities since 1985, would give a significant boost to the Ireland South region.

These bids are great news for the region as the title can bring tremendous cultural, social and economic benefits to a region. Previous winners have seen an average increase in tourism of 12% compared to the year before, with the added benefit of hundreds of diverse projects involving public and private investment bringing growth, jobs and development to the city and region in the years that follow.

The South-East region is rich in culture and heritage and has proven time and again that it would be a more than suitable candidate, especially shown through the Spraoí and Tall Ships festivals in Waterford, the Kilkenny Arts Festival, and the Wexford Opera Festival, among others. The further cultural and socio-economic development in art, culture and tourism that this title brings would be a wonderful opportunity for the South of Ireland. The South-East bid would be unique, in that it brings together three county councils in a joint bid, something that has not been done before now. The region is one that has been traditionally strong in tourism and being crowned European Capital of Culture would completely revitalise this industry.

Meeting in Brussels with Michael Quinn (Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council) and Katherine Collins (Project Lead) to discuss plans for the three counties to jointly bid for the European Capital of Culture with Waterford city as its Capital and focal point (April 14th)
 
At the Ocean Energy Forum with Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (April 16th)
The Veterinary Officers Association held their 2015 scientific conference in the Castletroy Hotel Limerick. I'm pictured here with Mary Courtney (President) and Mark McCarthy (President Elect) (April 17th)
With Parnell's GAA Club Development Officer Frank Gleeson, Uachtarán CLG Aogán Ó' Fearghail, Suzanne Hannon  Parnell's GAA Chairperson (April 17th)
 
With Mayo football star Conor Mortimer, Uachtarán CLG Aogán Ó' Fearghail, and Parnell's GAA  Club Chairperson, Suzanne Hannon (April 17th)
 
I was pleased attend the AGM of South Tipperary YFG in Cashel, and to be part of the judging panel for the YFG Munster Regional Council Annual Debate (April 18th)
 
With the winners of the Annual Debate (April 18th)
 
Declan Burgess presenting me with copy of Cashel King Cormacs GAA Club History (April 18th)
 
Tralee IT Students, Teachers and Family visit the European Parliament:
(Back Row) Jim Murray, Peggy O´Shea, Kathleen McNamara, Kevin Griffin, Patricia Griffin, Mary Mahony, Michelle Burke, Sinead Egan, Cliona McGuire
(Middle Row)Alan Murray, Michael Hussey, MEP Seán Kelly, Sinead Joy,  Martina McCarthy, Kitty Kelly.
(Front Row) Angela Kelliher Denise Mahony, Cathal Griffin, Connor Griffin
Ireland South group visits the European Parliament (April 15th)

This month I hosted a Visitor's Group from Ireland South in the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels. The 50-strong group was made up of individuals, a women's network and a students' group, representing the counties of Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Wexford and Clare.

It was an immense pleasure to invite my constituents into the EP, to have the opportunity to give them an insight into my work both in Brussels and at home, and to see people so interested in the workings of the Parliament. There are 500 million Europeans represented here, and it's a wonderful opportunity for Irish people to spend time where voices of all Europeans can be heard, and where their common laws take shape.

The group spent three days in Belgium, taking in the sights in Brussels before visiting the Museums and battlefields of Ypres, and the Island of Ireland Peace Park. They rounded off the trip with a day trip to the nearby cities of Bruges and Ghent.
The full group- from Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Wexford and Clare
With the Cork group: Michael Kiely, Mary Kiely, Bernie Carroll  and Aileen Browne
With Wexford locals Patrick Sheehy and Sadie Sheehy
With Clarewomen Geraldine Lane Gregan and Breege Hannify
Also part of the group was winner of the European Soap Box Competition,  Cliodhna Heenan
With the Limerick contingent: John Doherty, Bernie Carroll  and Bridget Doherty
The Tipperary Visitors: Mary Mc Donagh, Michael McDonagh, Elsa Heffernan, Eamon Medley, Seán Kelly, John Medley, Cliodhna Heenan, Lillian Medley, Eileen Bourke, Mary Elizabeth Tuohy,  Philip Bourke, Mary Hourigan and Inez Heenan
With the best-dressed man in the European Parliament!
The group visiting the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Flanders.
Cathal and Connor outside the Peace Park
With Kevin Griffin at the Parliament in Brussels
Co-Hosting the Women Entrepreneurship Platform Conference (April 22nd)

It was my pleasure to co-host the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) conference in Brussels, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship amongst women.

At the event, attended by MEPs, European Commission officials, business leaders and international stakeholders, I called for increased support for the 15,000 Irish women entrepreneurs starting new businesses every year.  

Addressing the conference, I highlighted Ireland's large proportion of both men and women entrepreneurs, and our very positive example of performance on the international stage. Entrepreneurs are the driving force of any nation, creating employment and growth and helping boost competitiveness. I spoke of the growing number of women networks and initiatives which positively support women entrepreneurs, including Kerry Business Women, Network Limerick, Going for Growth, Cork Innovates, Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We also see a great number of campaigns in Ireland, led by Enterprise Ireland and the City and County Boards promoting and encouraging female entrepreneurship.


 
With my fellow MEPs Liliana Rodrigues, Michaela Šojdrová, Arne Gericke, Angelika Mlinar
Addressing the audience
Opening the Annual Conference of Gas Infrastructure Europe (April 23rd)
 
The Annual Conference of Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) took place in Dublin, where I highlighted Ireland's need to diversify its energy supply to ensure greater energy security and competitiveness. Natural gas is hugely important to our energy mix, and at the conference I called on the European Commission to play a leading role in reducing the EU's current dependence on Russia for its gas supply.

In my capacity as a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), I have had the opportunity to discuss and collaborate on these issues with Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete, and I firmly believe we are now moving in the right direction. The major strategic projects intended to boost interconnection and energy supply for Europe are crucial, as is the completion of the internal market - a key component of a European Security of Supply Strategy.

Natural gas will continue to play a central role in the EU and Ireland's efforts to achieve a secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy supply. Being economically attractive to investors and cleaner than other fossil fuels, gas brings significant benefits by driving economic growth and providing the flexibility needed for the integration of more renewables into our energy mix.
1- Pictured L-R: Ervia CEO Michael McNicholas, Seán Kelly MEP, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White, European Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy Miguel Arias Cañete, GIE President Jean-Claude Depail, Gaslink GM Aidan O' Sullivan
2- Pictured L-R: Ervia CEO Michael McNicholas, Seán Kelly MEP, European Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy Miguel Arias Cañete, Gaslink GM Aidan O' Sullivan
3-Addressing the Conference
4-With a representative from Gaslink, discussing the reduced emissions achieved by the gas powered Volvo v70

 
A very productive meeting with representatives the Committee of the Regions, where we discussed the potential of ocean energy in Ireland.  With Endrik Marfia, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Gregg Jones, Julianna Szabó (April 20th)
 
Pictured at ITRE Committee meeting with invited speaker Andrius Kubilius, former Lithuanian PM and member of Energy commission of Lithuanian Parliament (April 20th)
 
At a 'Water Research and Innovation' event,  I'm pictured with European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Moedas and with Dutch MEP Esther de Lange (April 20th)
 
With Fossa, participants in the Scór Sinsear Leíriú Stairúil competition (April 25th)
With Scór Sinsear Winner in the Aithriseoireacht catergory, JK Brackens of Co Tipperary (April 25th)
 
Three of the Fine Gael MEPs met with IFA representatives in Strasbourg. Pictured with General Secretary Pat Smith, IFA President Eddie Downey and Liam McHale, Director of European Affairs (April 27th)
 
European Energy Innovation

Consumers need a reliable, affordable energy supply. European Energy Innovation is a publication that focuses on the development of new and alternative energy projects in Europe. In their spring publication I write about the importance of technological innovation in meeting our climate and energy needs. You can read the article at the link below:
European Energy Innovation Spring Edition
Jobs in European Institutions

If you (or someone you know) is interested in working in the European institutions, please don't hesitate to contact my office for further information. There are many great opportunities for Irish people in Europe, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.


Copyright © *2015* *Sean Kelly MEP*, All rights reserved.

Do not hesitate to contact me:
sean.kelly@europarl.europa.eu
seankellymep@gmail.com

Address:
ASP 08F349,
European Parliament,
Rue Wiertz 60, 1047,
Brussels, Belgium


Or visit my website:
http://www.seankelly.eu/


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